Equipment Guidance Note UIX10401

Rapidclimb Jump Formwork System

1.0 Introduction
Rapidclimb Frames provide a simple method of
converting RMD Kwikform (RMDK) formwork into
a crane handled climbing system.
This guidance note is for the erection, use and
dismantling of Rapidclimb equipment in a typical
scheme – “Rapidclimb”.
This document is not to be used as a working
method statement. It is the customer’s
responsibility to assimilate this information into a
working method statement specific to the site
conditions.

2.0 References
This guidance note shall be read in conjunction
with the RMDK drawings.
Please refer to the RMDK Climbing Formwork
brochure, Rapidclimb Technical Data Sheets, the
attendant RMDK Risk Assessment and the
Equipment Guidance Notes for the formwork
system to be employed.
Reference should also be made to the contract method statement and construction
drawings provided by the contractor for specific details and sequence.

3.0 Health & Safety

This document is for general guidance only and does not relieve the customer of
responsibility for safe erection, use and dismantling of the equipment.
Work with Rapidclimb should only be undertaken or supervised by appropriately trained
personnel familiar with safe use of the equipment. Where needed, Rapidclimb product
demonstration can be undertaken by RMDK but it remains the customer’s responsibility to
determine competence of erectors and supervisors.
Customers shall satisfy themselves that the equipment has been correctly erected prior to
loading of the Rapidclimb frames.
Some components weigh in excess of 25kg. Plan all manual and crane lifts and execute in
accordance with applicable regulations.
Rapidclimb frames rely for support on embedments in previously cast lifts of concrete. It is
the responsibility of the customer to ensure that the reinforced concrete surrounding the
embedments has gained sufficient strength to support the indicated loads.

Issue I Further info: +44 (0) 1922 743743 Sheet 1 of 11

The information contained within these data sheets remain the property of RMD Kwikform and is not to be altered or reproduced without permission.
30/01/19 RMD Kwikform reserves the right to change any specification without giving prior notice
It is the customers responsibility to incorporate this generic information into a document specific to the site conditions
Equipment Guidance Note UIX10401
Rapidclimb Jump Formwork System

4.0 Design Parameters

The Rapidclimb frames have been designed for the imposed loads and the formwork type,
and size indicated on the scheme drawings. All of the design parameters used including
minimum concrete strength criteria prior to lifting/loading should be clearly shown on the
RMDK drawing. If any relevant information is absent or incorrect the relevant RMDK
Technical Office must be contacted prior to use.

5.0 Fixing and Stability of Reinforcement

The safe erection and stability of the reinforcement cage
is the responsibility of the customer and should be
covered in the contractor’s method statement.
During the construction of piers it is common for the
reinforcement cage to be prefabricated at ground level
in sections and lifted into position in advance of the
formwork. Alternatively for large piers the reinforcement
cage may be built inside the raised, closed, aligned and
secured forms.
During the construction of cores it is common for the
inner forms to be positioned/raised and plumbed first
and for the reinforcement to be fixed and secured to
these forms from the outside face prior to closing of the
outer forms. A specific sequence of platform raising may
be required to ensure access to steel fix all elements.
System steelfixing access platforms may be fitted to the
internal face of the retracted formwork via the form tie hole positions to facilitate tying of
reinforcement (photo).

6.0 Initial Assembly

6.1. Assembly and Erection of Formwork
Assemble and erect the formwork for the first lift as detailed in the appropriate Equipment
Guidance Notes. The forms can be either those intended for use on the following climbing
sequence or a dedicated set. A minimum clear height of 1.9m is needed before the
Rapidclimb frames can be fitted for the following lift.
6.1.1. Climbing Anchors
The positions of climbing anchors are indicated on a dedicated RMDK drawing together
with any voids that penetrate the structure. The presence of penetrating voids near the
anchors reduces their load performance. Anchors shall not be moved relative to voids or
vice versa nor new voids be introduced within 500mm of the anchorages without
consultation with RMD Kwikform.
Rapidclimb Anchors will need to be cast into the first lift to enable mounting of equipment
for the subsequent climbing operation. Set out the position of the anchors on the formwork.

Issue I Further info: +44 (0) 1922 743743 Sheet 2 of 11

The information contained within these data sheets remain the property of RMD Kwikform and is not to be altered or reproduced without permission.
30/01/19 RMD Kwikform reserves the right to change any specification without giving prior notice
It is the customers responsibility to incorporate this generic information into a document specific to the site conditions
Equipment Guidance Note UIX10401
Rapidclimb Jump Formwork System

The tolerance for location of anchors from that indicated on the drawing is +/- 10mm
horizontally. Vertically anchors shall not deviate more than 2mm from a line joining all of
the anchors to a particular platform.
Fix the anchors to the wall formwork as shown on the RMDK drawing ensuring they are
secure and straight. It may be necessary to locally displace some reinforcement. Coat the
anchor cones liberally with Anchor Screw Grease to aid later removal.

7.0 Operating Sequence – Rapidclimb Frames Both Sides of Wall

This sequence is shown in picture form on pages 6-11
7.1. First Lift
Place the formwork for the first lift in accordance with the drawings and the relevant
equipment guidance notes for the system being used.
1. Place the concrete and allow curing.
2. Remove the ties from the formwork the morning after concreting. Leave 2 ties loosely in
place at the top of the forms. If bolts have been used to fix the anchors to the form face
remove them. Strike the formwork from the side remote to the alignment props, clean, oil
and store ready for reuse.
7.2. Second Lift
3. Fix the Rapidclimb Wall Brackets to the anchors as shown on the RMDK drawing. The
grade strength of the bolt is indicated on the bolt head and is important. Check that the
grade of each bolt during installation matches with the requirements of the RMDK drawing.
Straighten each wall bracket and nip up the bolt with a spanner.
4. Assemble the platforms and mount on the wall. Insert and secure the safety pins
through the holes in the wall brackets to prevent accidental removal of the platforms.
Platforms may either be prefabricated off the wall in modules or built in situ on the wall.
Whichever is chosen the following sequence applies:-
 Lift the first Rapidclimb Frame and secure it in the vertical plane (either by hooking into
the wall bracket or by supporting from the ground).
 Repeat for the second Rapidclimb Frame in the module ensuring it is placed at the
correct spacing from the first to match the cast in anchors.
 Check and adjust the verticality of the frames and attach tube and fitting lacing and
bracing between the frames as shown on the RMDK drawing. Ensure the frames are
parallel.
 Position and fix the platform primary and secondary support members and deck out
the platform with plywood. Install and secure guardrail posts and tube and fitting
handrails and a toe-board or Ultraguard barriers as indicated.

Issue I Further info: +44 (0) 1922 743743 Sheet 3 of 11

The information contained within these data sheets remain the property of RMD Kwikform and is not to be altered or reproduced without permission.
30/01/19 RMD Kwikform reserves the right to change any specification without giving prior notice
It is the customers responsibility to incorporate this generic information into a document specific to the site conditions
Equipment Guidance Note UIX10401
Rapidclimb Jump Formwork System

5. Fit wind ties as shown on the RMDK drawing. Ratchet lashing wind ties should be lightly
tensioned. Avoid over-tightening as this can apply excessive force to components and
anchorages.
6. Remove the formwork from the other side of the wall clean, oil and store ready for
reuse.
7. Add the platforms to the other side of the wall and secure with the safety pins.
8. Fit the wind ties as shown on the RMDK drawing.
9. Engage the wedge brakes on all Rapidclimb Trolleys. Crane in the formwork to one side
of the wall having fitted and well greased the Rapidclimb anchors ready for support of the
following lift. Bolt the form to the plumbing jacks and add the plumbing turnbuckles
ensuring that all are orientated with the right hand thread end at the bottom. Plumb the
formwork and release the crane.
10. Release the wedge brakes and advance the formwork to contact the wall by rotating
the pinion spindle. Drive the wedge brakes into position to lock the trolleys.
Adjust the level of the formwork by rotating the spindle on the trolley jack. Adjust the
sideways transit of the forms by slackening the bolted connection to the trolley jack and
using a podger bar (spud wrench) to slide the formwork in the slots. Re-tighten the fixings.
Check the form for plumb and adjust if necessary.
11. Fix the reinforcement against the formwork and secure. Place the tie rods and spacer
tubes leaving the ties retracted into the tubes at this stage.
12. Crane in the other form, fix, plumb and align it as before.
13. Advance the formwork as before inserting the ties through the pre-drilled holes with the
process.
14. Tighten the ties, place the concrete and allow curing
7.3. Third Lift
15. Remove any bolts connecting the Rapidclimb anchors to the plywood. Slacken and
remove the tie rods and store safely ready for the next use. Shorten the plumbing
turnbuckles in sequence to crack the form face from the new concrete. Retract the
formwork and secure with the wedge brakes.
Fit the wall brackets to the newly exposed second lift concrete. Access can be secured
from the top platform on the retracted formwork a ladder from the platform or a form-
mounted access platform (see 5.0). Fit the next lift Rapidclimb anchors to the form and
grease well.
16. Fix the Hanging Tube Adapters to the Rapidclimb Frames, and attach the hanging
tubes with a single bolt. The tubes will be inclined at this time with the lower end resting on
the ground. Fit the next lift of concrete anchors to the forms.
17. Remove the wind ties

Issue I Further info: +44 (0) 1922 743743 Sheet 4 of 11

The information contained within these data sheets remain the property of RMD Kwikform and is not to be altered or reproduced without permission.
30/01/19 RMD Kwikform reserves the right to change any specification without giving prior notice
It is the customers responsibility to incorporate this generic information into a document specific to the site conditions
Equipment Guidance Note UIX10401
Rapidclimb Jump Formwork System

18. Raising the platforms - The forms may be removed from the first lift wall at any time
after the second lift is cured. The equipment shall, however, not be raised and placed onto
the second lift wall brackets until the second lift concrete has reached the minimum cube
strength indicated on the RMDK drawings.
The position to which the formwork is retracted prior to lifting is important as it affects the
angle at which the assembly hangs. Position the formwork such that the assembly hangs
vertically. Trial lifting may be necessary to identify the precise configuration. The position
may vary for different platforms. Mark the position to speed future cycles.
The lifting points are indicated on the RMDK drawings. Connect the lifting equipment to the
lifting points. Remove the Rapidclimb Safety Pins from the wall brackets. Attach tag lines.
And make appropriate adjustments to the guardrails at the ends of the platforms. All
personnel shall leave the platforms prior to lifting.
Lift the formwork and frames off the wall brackets as one unit and engage the frames into
the second lift wall brackets. Use the top pouring accesses on opposing panels of
formwork from which to guide the equipment onto the lift 3 wall brackets. The Hanging
Access Tubes will drop to the vertical.
Once the gang of equipment is in position personnel may go on to the platform and fix the
Rapidclimb Safety Pins to the wall brackets.
19. Fit the Hanging Access Transoms, platforms & guardrails. Fit the second bolts
between the Hanging Access Tubes and the Hanging Tube Adapters.
20. Fit the wind tie
21. Retract and secure the opposite form as before and add the wall brackets.
22. Remove the wind tie and add the greased Rapidclimb anchors.
23. Raise and secure the opposite side platform as before, fit the safety pins and make
necessary adjustments to the platform stop-end guardrails.
24. Fit the suspended access platforms and wind ties
25. Advance and secure one side of formwork and fix the reinforcement against it
26. Close the forms, place ties, pour concrete and cure
27. Retract the formwork, add wall brackets and anchors as before. Attach the crane to the
lift points. Detach the wind ties and remove the wall brackets and anchors from the first
pour. Raise the platform as before and continue the cycle to complete the wall. After each
use the formwork should be cleaned and mould oil or release agent applied.

8.0 Final Striking and Dismantling

Detach and lift the formwork from the platforms and lower to the ground. Lift the platforms
from the completed wall and lower to the ground. Remove the suspended access
platforms with the assembly held on the crane. Dismantle the forms and the platforms in
the reverse sequence to the erection procedure. Stack dismantled components neatly in
the appropriate containers or stillages and clean prior to return to RMDK.

Issue I Further info: +44 (0) 1922 743743 Sheet 5 of 11

The information contained within these data sheets remain the property of RMD Kwikform and is not to be altered or reproduced without permission.
30/01/19 RMD Kwikform reserves the right to change any specification without giving prior notice
It is the customers responsibility to incorporate this generic information into a document specific to the site conditions
Equipment Guidance Note UIX10401
Rapidclimb Jump Formwork System

1. 2. 3.

4. 5. 6.

7. 8.

Issue I Further info: +44 (0) 1922 743743 Sheet 6 of 11

The information contained within these data sheets remain the property of RMD Kwikform and is not to be altered or reproduced without permission.
30/01/19 RMD Kwikform reserves the right to change any specification without giving prior notice
It is the customers responsibility to incorporate this generic information into a document specific to the site conditions
Equipment Guidance Note UIX10401
Rapidclimb Jump Formwork System

9. 10.

11. 12.

Issue I Further info: +44 (0) 1922 743743 Sheet 7 of 11

The information contained within these data sheets remain the property of RMD Kwikform and is not to be altered or reproduced without permission.
30/01/19 RMD Kwikform reserves the right to change any specification without giving prior notice
It is the customers responsibility to incorporate this generic information into a document specific to the site conditions
Equipment Guidance Note UIX10401
Rapidclimb Jump Formwork System

13. 14.

15. 16.

Issue I Further info: +44 (0) 1922 743743 Sheet 8 of 11

The information contained within these data sheets remain the property of RMD Kwikform and is not to be altered or reproduced without permission.
30/01/19 RMD Kwikform reserves the right to change any specification without giving prior notice
It is the customers responsibility to incorporate this generic information into a document specific to the site conditions
Equipment Guidance Note UIX10401
Rapidclimb Jump Formwork System

17. 18.

19. 20.

Issue I Further info: +44 (0) 1922 743743 Sheet 9 of 11

The information contained within these data sheets remain the property of RMD Kwikform and is not to be altered or reproduced without permission.
30/01/19 RMD Kwikform reserves the right to change any specification without giving prior notice
It is the customers responsibility to incorporate this generic information into a document specific to the site conditions
Equipment Guidance Note UIX10401
Rapidclimb Jump Formwork System

21. 22.

23. 24.

Issue I Further info: +44 (0) 1922 743743 Sheet 10 of 11

The information contained within these data sheets remain the property of RMD Kwikform and is not to be altered or reproduced without permission.
30/01/19 RMD Kwikform reserves the right to change any specification without giving prior notice
It is the customers responsibility to incorporate this generic information into a document specific to the site conditions
Equipment Guidance Note UIX10401
Rapidclimb Jump Formwork System

25. 26.

27.

Issue I Further info: +44 (0) 1922 743743 Sheet 11 of 11

The information contained within these data sheets remain the property of RMD Kwikform and is not to be altered or reproduced without permission.
30/01/19 RMD Kwikform reserves the right to change any specification without giving prior notice
It is the customers responsibility to incorporate this generic information into a document specific to the site conditions